Head coach Rob Klock, his knowledgable assistants and savvy student-athletes exceeded expectations in 2013, rolling to a share of the Mid-Penn Keystone title and claiming the school's first D3 title since winning the Class AAA crown in 2003.

But this group was infused with a healthy dash of confidence, and the Falcons carried themselves like champions when we visited a practice at LD Middle School late last week.

Here's a video and some observations from our visit:

WHAT I SAW

* Defensive focus. The Falcons worked on offense earlier in the day, and the second practice was dedicated to the defensive side of the ball and special teams.

Remember, this group posted six shutouts last year. It was one of the nastiest defenses in the conference, the district, probably the state.

These kids take their responsibilities under D-coordinator Jim Page quite seriously. Stations were set up with strip-from-behind drills, tackling drills, a scoop-and-score drill, and more.

* Modest numbers. Klock said there are approximately 50 players on the LD roster, four of whom are kickers. The team the Falcons beat in last year's championship, Cumberland Valley, had maybe twice that out for football.

* Speaking of kickers... Everyone of course remembers Joe Julius, who was a genuine weapon for the LD offense and booted the game-winning 46-yard field goal to beat Wilson in the district semis last year. But now Julius is at Penn State, and sliding into the starting kicker role is Antonio Heredia who, like Julius, is also a soccer standout. Heredia, in fact, was still in his soccer uniform as he drilled field goals at Thursday evening's practice.

* Special special teams. Combine Heredia with returning all-league punter Adam Domovich, plus experienced blockers and snappers, and the Falcons will again boast standout special teams play in 2014. No surprise there.

* Good size in the trenches. The Falcons return three starters on the defensive line and four on the offensive line, says two-way senior lineman Quentin Horting. So while they'll need to replace some skill positions like quarterback, the beefeaters up front should be formidable from the get-go.

* A new Klock. The team's new quarterback is Rob's son and Trey's younger brother, Tommy Klock. Running back David Hamaty and tight end Ben Ross tell us the youngest Klock is coming along nicely.

UP NEXT

* The Falcons host Central York in a their final preseason scrimmage Friday night. The regular-season slate kicks off Aug. 29 at Hersheypark Stadium against Middletown.